Repository:
Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Abstract: Most of the collection consists of correspondence and clippings generated and collected by employees, mainly Lloyd Hiatt,
of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department working at Hart Park during the 1950's-1970's. The files contain
information on the artifacts at Hart Park. There are magazines and clippings about Hart and Hart Park.

Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred Citation

William S. Hart County Park Research Files, ca. 1950's-. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum
of Los Angeles County

Biography/Administrative History

William Surrey Hart (1864?-1946) was a stage and motion picture actor, film director, author. Best known for his roles in
western films.

Scope and Content of Collection

When William S. Hart died in 1946, he left the bulk of his estate to the County of Los Angeles, stipulating that his house
and ranch property were to be used as a museum and public park. The Parks and Recreation Department of Los Angeles County
operates and maintains the grounds at Hart Park, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is responsible for the
historical interpretation of Hart's home, its contents, and several other buildings. Most of the collection consists of correspondence
and clippings generated and collected by employees, mainly Lloyd Hiatt, of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department
working at Hart Park during the 1950's-1970's. The files contain information on the artifacts at Hart Park, especially guns
and Indian textiles, as well as on many western artists, including Charles M. Russell, James Montgomery Flagg, and photographer
David F. Barry. There are magazines and clippings about Hart and Hart Park. This collection continues to grow as the History
Division staff of the Natural History Museum adds additional relevant material. Included, for example, is the "William S.
Hart County Park Historical Background Study" by Abraham Hoffman, prepared in 1988 for the History Division. See also Gen.
Col. 1012 William S. Hart Papers, and Gen. Col 1191 Fred Gehring Letters (pertaining to Hart Park). See also MSS-247. Photographs
transferred to collection P-98.